Building Relationships with Parents

Your kids ministry isn\’t just a ministry to kids; it’s a ministry to parents and to families. Relationships with parents are key to impacting children’s lives. Connecting with kids is easier; you see and talk to them regularly in the classroom or at other church events. Sometimes connecting with parents is more difficult; you may see them only briefly…and at times that may be hectic (drop-off and pick-up). So…how can you connect with parents? Today’s technology can help.

Ask for parents\’ email addresses and cell phone numbers.

• Email parents information about what happened in the classroom. When parents know what their kids have discussed or done, they can talk about it.
• Text a picture of the child doing something in Sunday School or at an event. Parents like pictures of their kids.
• If a younger child is unhappy when the parent drops him off, text a photo of him happliy playing. Parents will see that he calmed down – and know that you care about the situation.
• Send parents a couple of quick things they could do during the week to engage their kids in what they have learned at church. (If you use Bible Teaching for Kids and/or Worship KidStyle, subscribe to the KISS Connection emails and use those ideas. Or tell parents about these emails so they can subscribe themselves.)
• Call parents and tell them something you observed about their child – a new skill, a thoughtful action, an acquired biblical insight.

Use social media to connect.

• Set up a private Facebook group or class blog. Talk about what you are learning and encourage parents to ask questions.
• Suggest blogs and other sources that help parents answer questions and gain knowledge. (ParentLife magazine and ParentLife Online both give offer parenting information from a Christian perspective.)
• Use Twitter or other social media tools to stay in contact and communicate information. (Parents may like to follow ParentLife on Twitter, too.)

Don’t forget the "old school" ways to build relationships, too.

• Mail cards and photos to parents. Send newsletters and ministry updates.
• Arrange a time to meet with parents. These meetings can help you know more about the family and the child so you can more effectively minister.
• Provide times for parents to meet with one another. These parenting fellowships help build relationships among parents and with church leaders.

What are some ways you build relationships with the parents in your ministry?